Notes About C++ and C++ How to Program, 5/e
Notes About C++ and C++ How to Program, 5 e
Experienced C++ programmers sometimes take pride in being able to create some weird, contorted, convoluted usage of the language. This is a poor programming practice. It makes programs more difficult to read, more likely to behave strangely, more difficult to test and debug, and more difficult to adapt to changing requirements. This book is geared for novice programmers, so we stress program clarity. The following is our first "good programming practice."
Good Programming Practice 1.1
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Write your C++ programs in a simple and straightforward manner. This is sometimes referred to as KIS ("keep it simple"). Do not "stretch" the language by trying bizarre usages. |
You have heard that C and C++ are portable languages, and that programs written in C and C++ can run on many different computers. Portability is an elusive goal. The ANSI C standard document contains a lengthy list of portability issues, and complete books have been written that discuss portability.
Portability Tip 1.3
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Although it is possible to write portable programs, there are many problems among different C and C++ compilers and different computers that can make portability difficult to achieve. Writing programs in C and C++ does not guarantee portability. The programmer often will need to deal directly with compiler and computer variations. As a group, these are sometimes called platform variations. |
We have audited our presentation against the ANSI/ISO C++ standard document for completeness and accuracy. However, C++ is a rich language, and there are some features we have not covered. If you need additional technical details on C++, you may want to read the C++ standard document, which can be ordered from the ANSI Web site at
webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore/default.asp
The title of the document is "Information Technology Programming Languages C++" and its document number is INCITS/ISO/IEC 14882-2003.
We have included an extensive bibliography of books and papers on C++ and object-oriented programming. We also have included a C++ Resources appendix containing many Internet and Web sites relating to C++ and object-oriented programming. We have listed several Web sites in Section 1.19 including links to free C++ compilers, resource sites and some fun C++ games and game programming tutorials.
Good Programming Practice 1.2
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Read the manuals for the version of C++ you are using. Refer to these manuals frequently to be sure you are aware of the rich collection of C++ features and that you are using them correctly. |
Good Programming Practice 1.3
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Your computer and compiler are good teachers. If after reading your C++ language manual, you still are not sure how a feature of C++ works, experiment using a small "test program" and see what happens. Set your compiler options for "maximum warnings." Study each message that the compiler generates and correct the programs to eliminate the messages. |